Google's Flash TTS gives developers director-level control over AI voices in 70+ languages

Google DeepMind Launches Flash TTS with Advanced Voice Control

Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS, a text-to-speech model that marks a significant shift from robotic predecessors by enabling unparalleled control over AI voices 1

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. The model allows users to guide AI speech with natural language instructions, directing vocal style, delivery, and pace through simple text-based commands. Google claims this is its most natural and expressive model yet, designed to deliver natural-sounding speech experiences across a wide range of applications 2

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On the Artificial Analysis TTS leaderboard, which captures thousands of blind human preferences, Flash TTS achieved an Elo score of 1,211, ranking second overall and surpassing many popular text-to-speech models 1

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. According to Google, Artificial Analysis positioned the model within its 'most attractive quadrant' because it balances performance with low cost 2

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Director-Level Controls for Speaking Style and Regional Accents

One of the standout features is the model's director-level controls for speaking style, which allow users to adjust inflection and tone with options including "enthusiastic," "positive surprise," and "informative" 1

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. The model introduces audio tags that enable users to adjust vocal delivery more precisely, controlling speaking speed and pace with improved levels of granularity 2

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Flash TTS supports different regional accents across various major languages, with English offering options like American "Valley" and "Southern" accents, plus British variants including "Brixton" and "RP," as well as "Transatlantic" 1

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. The model delivers high-fidelity speech across more than 70 languages, including Japanese, Hindi, and German, bringing advanced style, pacing, and accent control to major markets 2

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Format Templates and Multi-Speaker Dialogues

The text-to-speech model includes format templates that users can choose from, such as podcast conversation, audiobook narrator, language tutor, voice assistant, wellness guide, news broadcaster, and support agent styles 1

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. Users can "set the stage" by defining the environment and providing specific dialogue instructions, with the ability to export these settings as application programming interface code.

Another key capability is support for multi-speaker dialogues, allowing developers to create different characters with unique audio profiles 2

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. According to Google, this world-building context helps characters remain "in-character" and react to one another naturally across multiple turns . Once perfected, these parameters can be exported as Gemini API code to ensure consistent, recognizable voices across various projects and platforms.

SynthID Watermark and Availability

All audio generated by Flash TTS includes a SynthID watermark embedded in the output, making AI-generated content easy to detect 1

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. This invisible watermark helps address concerns about transparency in AI-generated audio 2

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Developers can access the model in preview through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, while enterprise users can utilize it via Vertex AI 2

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. Workspace users can also access Flash TTS through Google Vids. The model's improved controllability, expressivity, and quality position it as a competitive option for developers seeking advanced text-to-speech capabilities with fine-grained control and broad language support.